Mine has been present for almost 6 months. Some days the right side of my tongue feels dry/numb/tingly, some days I feel something on the back of my tongue or my throat I am a recent smokeless tobacco user. Something I find odd is that the sensation is always on the right side but seems to move to the front or back of the right side depending on the time of day. It also seems like after I finish eating the sensation goes away for about 30 to 45 mins. It is not sensitive to foods or acidic drinks. I cant visibly see any changes in my tongue, but having this sensation every day for 6 months is terrifying and I can't bring myself to go to the doctor, Ive convinced myself if it is cancer it's already to late. Side note I have had cuts in both my ear canals from a cheap stethoscope that have been there before my tongue started this nonsense, they will not heal and sometimes feels like I have fluid behind my ear drums. My big question is after 6 months if it was cancer wouldn't it be blatantly obvious by now and if it isn't what kind of disease process other than cancer could last for 6 months and not resolve.

I would also like to add that eating and brushing my teeth makes the sensation on my tongue go away for a while Also since I've had ear problems for about the same length of time as my tongue symptoms "I sometimes get fluid behind my ear drum, and my ears also will leak a clear fluid, could it be draining into my mouth and irritating my tongue?

Vegita,

It's difficult to know how to answer your questions. No one can make a diagnosis over the internet and I'd be wary of anyone who claimed to be able to do so. You have some legitimate concerns, but you're not dealing with them. You'd rather die than go to a doctor? You'd rather suffer with side effects of who-knows-what rather than have a doctor make a diagnosis and a treatment plan? I don't think many of us understand that reasoning. This bit about cuts in your ear canals due to a defective (cheap) stethoscope is frightening! Were you being seen by a quack MD or were you attempting to diagnose yourself with a cheap substitute? Mind boggling!

You say your concerns are so terrifying that you can't bring yourself to see a doctor? You would rather be terrified than get a medical diagnosis? Even if you do have cancer, don't you think a doctor could help you? Who do you think writes on these message boards? We're cancer survivors and caregivers and all glad that we were made cancer-free or are living with a cancer diagnosis and proper care and treatment.

Sheesh, man! Make an appointment with an ENT (can diagnose both ears and oral problems) and come back with a diagnosis!

Take care (and see a doc)!

Mimi

Vegita,

Have you made an appointment yet? I worry about you!

Mimi

I have an appt for the 9th of this month. I have went to see a dr 2 months ago and they said they couldn't see anything wrong with my tounge but I'm going to an ENT on the 9th I just hope it isn't too late

Hi Vegita

That's good to hear. I have a couple of suggestions for your appointment: write down as many questions as you can and leave room for answers; take someone with you to the appointment if at all possible (for moral support if nothing else.)

Please let us know what happens.

Julia

Went to the ENT and he said he could see no leisions anywhere on my tounge. He said I did have a dry mouth and that could be causing my tounge to feel that way on the right side. I go back in 3 months for a checkup, he also said my ears have cleared up. Now I just have to find out why my body isn't making enough saliva.

Hi Vegita

Congrats on not having lesions on your tongue. I've heard, though, that dry mouth can cause a lot of oral problems. Perhaps one of the fine folks here on the site who's suffered dry mouth could recommend a product for you.

Julia

just a thought, could it be:

quote:

I am a recent smokeless tobacco user

Yes Dr Joshi I am but I have seen the error of my ways and its not gonna get me again. A few weeks ago the glands under my chin became severely swollen and he said that it was due to my dry mouth causing my salivary glands to become backed up. But I'm off the tobacco for good

Here's a great over-the-counter product for dry mouth - inexpensive and you can usually find it at any pharmacy or mega-store (WalMart, Costco, etc.)

Biotene

I was wondering Dr Joshi does the damage to the salivary glands reverse after cessation?